Hand-mounted illumination method, system, and devices

ABSTRACT

A compact precision illumination source mounts on a finger of a user for providing localized illumination for precision tasks such as surgical procedures and other tasks performed in dark or confined spaces. A frame having a circular or arcuate shape engages the finger, and secures an enclosure having a small but powerful bright, light focused on a predetermined region defined by the end of the digit that is likely the activity region for an instrument grasped by the digit. The frame engages a charge module for aligning external conductors for recharging a power supply in the illumination source.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a Continuation (CON) under 35 U.S.C. § 120 ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/487,656, filed Sep. 28, 2021,entitled “HAND-MOUNTED ILLUMINATION METHOD, SYSTEM AND DEVICES, which isa Continuation-in-Part under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/952,485, filed Nov. 19, 2020, entitled “HAND-MOUNTEDILLUMINATION METHOD, SYSTEM AND DEVICES,” now U.S. Pat. No. 11,129,453,which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. ProvisionalPatent App. No. 62,960,329, filed Jan. 13, 2020, entitled “METHOD ANDDEVICES FOR MEDICAL, SURGICAL and DENTAL PROCEDURE LIGHTING,” and allincorporated herein by reference in entirety.

BACKGROUND

Portable light sources for specialized and task lighting contexts areemployed wherever fixture lights are impractical or unnecessary. A needfor a small portable illumination device has, for some time, beensatisfied by a breadth of simple devices commonly referred to as“flashlights.”

As an example, surgical environments depict a context where tasklighting is paramount. Surgical environments generally require a sterilefield to prevent infection and ample lighting to enhance a visual regionfor the precise manipulation of human tissue. A typical operating roomemploys a well-defined array of fixtures and procedures for maintaininga sterile environment and ensuring a robust infrastructure ofinstruments and utilities such as gases, suction, medication, electricaland pneumatic resources, in addition to lighting. Modern Operating Rooms(ORs) define a highly evolved and specialized environment for ensuringeffective medical care.

SUMMARY

A compact precision illumination source mounts on a digit of a user forproviding localized illumination for precision tasks. A frame having acircular or arcuate shape engages the digit, and secures an enclosurehaving a small but powerful, bright light focused on a predeterminedregion defined by the end of the digit that is likely a region ofactivity for grasped by the digit. Low cost elements such as coin cellbatteries and LED (Light Emitting Diodes) contribute to the efficacy ofa single-use lighting appliance energized by an unretractable switch orcontact closed by device activation. As with many surgical accessories,single-use materials and accessories mitigate cross contamination fromother patients or procedures, and cost mitigation in producingsingle-use devices contributes to feasibility of use.

Configurations herein are based, in part, on the observation thatutility lighting for precision manual tasks increases speed, efficiencyand accuracy by reducing eye strain and facilitating hand-eyecoordination. Unfortunately, conventional approaches to utility lightingin medical and non-medical contexts suffer from the shortcoming thatpower and space constraints oppose ideals of providing brightillumination in tight, confined spaces as is often the case in asurgical field. Lighting sources need to be either tethered to a powersource or rely on onboard batteries; the former interferes with movementand the latter is constrained with a volume of charge material havinglongevity to span a possibly undetermined duration of a surgicalprocedure.

Accordingly, configurations herein substantially overcome the abovedescribed shortcomings by providing a compact, single-use digit (finger)mounted light aimed generally at the business end of a hand-heldinstrument and powered by on-board cells stored in an enclosure adjacenta pair of focused LED elements for illuminating the work area, such as asurgical field, of the instrument. The digit mounted illumination sourcegenerates and focuses light to mitigate diffusion losses when light isspread over a larger area. Rather, the illumination source isimmediately proximate to an object of operator dexterity.

In a basic configuration, a portable, self-contained personal lightingapparatus includes a body having an illumination source and a powersupply for illuminating the illumination source. A plurality ofdeformable prongs extends from the body, such that the prongs areadapted for forming an annular, concave form for resiliently convergingaround a human digit in a biased clamping or compression fit. Theillumination source is then focused on a distal region in a directiondefined by the human digit around which the prongs engage, such as aregion around a tip of the outstretched digit for lighting a taskperformed by the finger.

In a particular configuration, a surgical illumination configuration maybe provided as disclosed herein, and includes a body having an enclosureand an annular frame. The annular frame has two prongs extending in anarcuate manner from the enclosure, such that the prongs are adapted toengage an index or other finger similar to a jewelry article. Theenclosure includes a lighting element, a power supply for powering thelighting element, and a tray for containing the lighting element. Thetray is a self-contained assembly including conductive members betweenthe lighting element and power supply for energizing the lightingelement. A void on the enclosure is adapted to receive the tray viaslidable engagement, such that engagement establishes electricalcommunication between the power supply and the lighting element as thetray makes a single-use combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following description of particularembodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings in which like reference characters refer to the same partsthroughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily toscale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of the enclosure and tray ofsurgical illumination device viewed from a left side;

FIG. 2 is a rearward perspective view of the enclosure and tray of thesurgical illumination device viewed from a right side;

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict circuit operation for the surgical illuminationdevice;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the left side of the enclosure and trayof the surgical illumination device viewed from an undersideperspective;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a projection angle defining a focus of the lightingelement in the device of FIGS. 1-4 ;

FIG. 6 shows a transition of the tray to an engaged, undetachableorientation;

FIG. 7 shows an alternate configuration having the lighting elementsarranged in a circumferential manner;

FIG. 8 shows an alternate configuration for varying the projection angleof the device of FIGS. 1-4 ;

FIG. 9 shows an alternate configuration for concealing and altering theprojection angle as in FIGS. 1-4 ;

FIGS. 10A-10B shows a perspective view of a reusable, rechargeableconfiguration of the device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of portions defining the body of thedevice of FIGS. 10A-B;

FIG. 12 shows a front elevation of the device of FIGS. 10A and 11 ;

FIGS. 13A and 13B show top and side views, respectively, of an actuatedswitch on the device of FIGS. 10A-12 ;

FIGS. 14A-14C show external conductors for recharging, a charger module,and an engaged charger module, respectively; and

FIGS. 15A-15B shows a side view of the device of FIGS. 10A-14C engagingthe charger of FIGS. 14B and 14C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Depicted below is an example of various configurations of the single-usesurgical utility light. Several views and arrangements are shown; otherembodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art by slightvariations to the form factor and electrical circuit as shown.

Configurations described below disclose and illustrate a task lightingfeature applicable in many contexts based on the small size, fingermount and self-contained power due to a low power draw that need notemploy large batteries. A surgical example is discussed as anillustrative case. Such a surgical use invokes many of the features,such as single usage, sterile presentation and task-focus, however manycontexts do not require or impose all these constraints. Many tasks arenot restricted to sterile instruments, and for the same reason singleuse enforcement can be waived. Example uses and applications to suchnon-medical applications may include operation as flashlights,headlights, lamps, torches, searchlight, spotlights, lanterns, etc.; usein fields such as arts, crafts, repair, fishing, camping, hiking,running, nocturnal contexts, biking, vehicle maintenance, around thehouse, visualization, climbing, spelunking, photography, outdoor sports,hunting, boating, walking, diving, ambulating, manufacturing,warehousing, excavation, electricity generation and power plantoperations, custodial work, farming, commercial fishing, logging,landscaping, pest control, food processing, oil field work, wastecollection and disposal, recycling, construction, maintenance, shipping,driving, trucking, fashion, orienteering, skiing, backpacking,mountaineering, mountain biking, mining, search & rescue, caving,cataphiles, trouble lights, entertainment, indicators, lighting,communication, signaling, illumination, measuring and interacting,machine vision, biological detection, remote controls, sensor system,safety lamps, wheat lamps, theatrical, cinematic, emergency light,reading, working, nightlight, pointing, decorative, navigation,automotive-related, aviation-related, lamp, laser pointer, polilight,safelight, slit lamp, desk lighting, industry, research, leisure,weapons systems, pet-related, raves, concerts, dance clubs, germicidal,grow light, infrared lamp, strobe, health benefits, safety device,protective gear, rescue equipment, boating, law enforcement, travel,inspection, engineering, instrumenting, tinkering, reading, inspectingwounds, visualize mouth & throat, assess pupil response, view into smallopenings, look under poorly lit areas, plumbing, veterinaryapplications, dentistry, hands-free applications, military, controldevice, task lighting, cameo lighting, photography, security,electrician, manual labor, cooking, machinery and others.

FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of the enclosure and tray of thesurgical illumination device viewed from a left side, and FIG. 2 is arearward perspective view of the enclosure and tray of the surgicalillumination device viewed from a right side. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the surgical illumination device 100 includes a body 110 having anenclosure 112 and an annular frame 114. The annular frame has two prongs116-1 . . . 116-2 (116 generally) extending in an arcuate manner fromthe enclosure 112, such that the prongs 116 are adapted to engage anelongated member such as the index finger, wrist or other digit of thewearer. The elongated prongs may be of any suitable length to engage, byfrictional or compressive bias, or may form a loop.

The enclosure 112 includes on or more lighting elements 120-1 . . .120-2 (120 generally), a power supply 122 such as a battery for poweringthe lighting elements 120, and a tray 130 for containing the lightingelements 120. Conductive members 152 extend between the lightingelements 120 and power supply 122 for energizing the lighting element,shown in FIG. 3B below. A void 140 is adapted for slidable engagementwith the tray 130, such that the slidable engagement establisheselectrical communication between the power supply 122 and the lightingelements 120. A tapered surface 142 may facilitate attachment andlocking the tray 130 in the void 140, and may provide electricalactuation for the lighting elements 120, discussed further below.Apertures 118-1 . . . 118-2 (118 generally) in the enclosure 112 alignwith the lighting elements 120 upon insertion for allowing illuminationfrom the enclosure 112. The power supply 122 is disposed in the tray130, and further includes an actuator 150 responsive to slidableinsertion of the tray 130 into the void 140 for establishing electricalcommunication. Any suitable mechanism adapted to close (contact) thecircuit and power the lighting elements 120 may be provided.

In a first configuration, the device is configured for medicalapplications as a single use device in sterile environments. The handlight could, of course, be sterilized for subsequent medical use, oremployed in non-sterile environments. Alterations for battery removal orrechargeability may, of course, be provided.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict circuit 150 operation for the illumination device100. As the tray 130 slides into the void 140 for device activation,electrical communication between the power supply 122 and lightingelements 120 is established. Any suitable mechanism may be employed,such as a mechanical switch, biased contact, conductive surfaces,inductive coupling, magnetic coupling, or other suitable approach thatclose (energize) the electrical circuit based on insertion of the tray130.

The circuit 150 need not encumber the tray 130 with excessivecomponents. The power supply 122 may be a coin cell battery,rechargeable cell or other source. Conductive members 152 such as wiresor traces couple the positive and negative terminals of the power supply122 to the respective terminals of the lighting elements 120, shown asadjacent LEDs 120-1 and 120-2. Any suitable number of lighting elementsmay be employed based on space constraints; LEDs provide a low powerdrain which is matched to a longevity of the power supply, and shouldlast a minimum of 4-6 hours but could easily extend to 10 hours for alonger surgical procedure.

The circuit 150 further includes a switch 154, responsive to theengagement of the tray 130 for establishing the electricalcommunication. The switch 154 may be aligned to engage a protrusion 144or tapered surface 142 within the void 140 for closing (activating) thecircuit as the tray 130 is inserted. The void 140 has a perimeter 142based on and aligned in close tolerance to the tray 130 size, such thatslidable insertion into the enclosure draws the tray adjacent the void140 interior for causing contact or interference with surface featuresor aberrations such as the protrusion 144 for actuating the switch 154.

Alternative configurations may replace the switch with a removable tabsuch as a plastic strip or insulating member disposed biased between thebattery and a spring loaded contact may also be employed. The removabletab is disposed to maintain an open circuit by preventing current flowfrom the battery, and closing the circuit for energizing the lightingelement upon removal of the tab. Inaccessibility of the tray or batteryprovides enforcement of the single-use provision for medical uses, asusage time is therefore limited to the battery life.

The switch may be integrated with a spring biased element forrestraining the battery. Conductive members 152 may include a springbiasing for retaining the battery in a conductive manner. The samespring biasing may provide the undetachable engagement by slidablytraversing the tapered surface 142, deforming and compressing againstthe tapered surface, and releasing or “snapping” into a latchedarrangement after traversing the tapered side.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the left side of the enclosure and trayof the surgical illumination device viewed from an undersideperspective. Insertion of the tray 130 into the void 140 may alsoestablish electrical power to the lighting elements based on a powersource 122′ in the enclosure 112, as well. Alternate approaches forclosing the circuit 150 and energizing (powering) the lighting elements120 upon tray 130 insertion may include a conductive surface on the tray130, for example. The conductive surface is may attached or connect tothe conductive elements 152, and is disposed for slidably engaging acomplementary conductive surface on an interior surface of the void,such that slidable engagement of the conductive surface and thecomplementary conductive surface closes an electrical connection forenergizing the lighting elements 120. The alternate power supply 122′ inthe enclosure 112 energizes the conductive surface; complementary groundconnections are also provided.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a projection angle defining a focus of the lightingelement in the device of FIGS. 1-4 . Referring to FIGS. 1-5B, thelighting elements 120 define a projection angle 162 defined by dottedlines 160-1, 160-2. The projection angle 162 is based an axis 164extending longitudinally through the engaged elongated member 166 forfocusing on a distal end 167 of the elongated member 166. A breadth ofthe projection angle 166 depends on a periphery of the lighting elements120, and a beam focus 168-1, 168-2 (168 generally) corresponding to adirection of strongest illumination from each respective lightingelement 120, generally around a center of the projection angle 162. Thebeam focus 168 converges in a work region 170 which is based on activityof a surgical instrument 172 in the surgical field.

The elongated member 166 is expected to be defined by a human digit andthe prongs 116 are opposed by a difference less than a diameter 165 ofthe elongated member 166. Since the light is directed slightly down andin front of the enclosure, an index finger is likely to be used due tothe increased dexterity for the task at hand. The elongated members mayalso engage or wrap around a different carrier such as a wrist or arm ofthe wearer. The prongs 116 therefore include a deformable material forcompressing the prongs in opposed directions for disposing the prongs116 at a distance providing a frictional engagement with the elongatedmember 166. Resiliency of the deformable material biases the prongsagainst the elongated member 166, such that the prongs 116 retain theenclosure 112 by a bias against the elongated member 166. In alternatearrangements, the 116 prongs may have a closure defining a circularshape adapted for slidable communication with the elongated member, thussecuring the enclosure as a ring of jewelry is frictionally securedaround a finger.

FIG. 6 shows a transition of the tray 130 to an engaged, undetachableorientation. Referring to FIGS. 1-6 , the tray 130 engages the void 140in an undetachable manner, once the tray 130 fully engages the void 140,actuating the switch 154 and aligning the lighting elements 120 with theapertures 118. The engaged tray 130′ remains secured and undetachablefor enforcing the single-use provision of the device 100. No tabs,ridges or engaging surfaces are provided on the exposed tray panel 132.A tapered edge 134 aligns to provide a generally smooth, gently angledtransition for resisting prying or interference with the now permanenttray 130′ engagement with the enclosure 112. The tray 130-void 140engagement may further include latch actuated by the tapered surface 142for engaging the tray 130 in an undetachable manner upon insertion intothe void 140.

For example, a deformable protrusion may extend from the tray, such thatthe deformable protrusion is disposed for slidable communication withthe tapered surface 142. Upon tray 130 insertion, the deformableprotrusion returns to an undeformed state to define a latching,interference fit with the enclosure 112 for preventing tray withdrawal.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate configuration having the lighting elementsarranged in a circumferential manner. A circular array 700 defines amounting for lighting elements 120-1 . . . 120-N. The circuit 150attaches to the circular array 700 via conductive members 152. Thecircular array 700 may be frictionally engaged around the elongatedmember 166.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate configuration for varying the projection angleof the device of FIGS. 1-4 . In FIG. 8 , the prongs 116 form a completecircular frame 117 as a jewelry item might fit. Lighting elements 120reside in a pivoting attachment 810 secured to the circular frame 117 bya ball 812 and socket 814 arrangement.

FIG. 9 shows an alternate configuration for concealing and altering theprojection angle as in FIGS. 1-4 . FIG. 9 shows a device 900 hinged tray130 that transitions to an open position 130″ to expose and position thelighting elements 120. The hinge allows adjustment of the projectionangle 162 to suit the task at hand.

In alternate configurations, the surgical illumination device provides ageneral utility light by relaxing the single-use feature. This may beprovided by a detent or hook on the tray for power supply 122 refresh(battery replacement). Alternatively, the power supply may be arechargeable (lithium-ion or other battery chemistry) cell. Usage in acommon (non-sterilized/operating room) context may of course be apopular usage context and need not invoke the single-use provision. Arechargeable and/or replaceable battery is particularly beneficial. Inthe case of a replaceable battery, the tray need not be locking, butrather provides battery access. In a rechargeable configuration, anelectrical recharge connection is included. A USB (Universal Serial Bus)socket or similar connection for miniature and personal electronicdevices may be employed.

FIGS. 10A-15B show one alternate configuration including a rechargeablepower supply for repeated use. Outside of an operating room context,where single-use criteria is commonplace, the device need not bediscarded after only one use. A reusable configuration includes arechargeable battery, charging connection and power switch, all of whichare hermetically sealed to waterproof the enclosure and allow for a hightemperature wash for sterilization. The reusable device can be used ineither medical or non-medical contexts, for example the liquid tolerantdesign is amenable to rugged environments where the device might beexposed to harsh chemicals and dust.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show a perspective view of a reusable, rechargeableconfiguration of the device of FIG. 1 and deployed on a user's digit.Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the finger-mounted, rechargeable,sterilizable illumination device 200 includes a body 210 having anenclosure 212 and an annular frame 214. The annular frame has one ormore elongated prongs 216 extending in an arcuate manner from theenclosure 212, collectively adapted to engage a human digit 202,typically as a pair 216-1 . . . 216-2 (216 generally).

The enclosure 214 includes one or more lighting elements 120, and apower supply connected to the lighting element for energizing thelighting element, in which the power supply is defined by a rechargeablestorage element (secondary battery) rather than a single use battery.Shown further below are an external conductor connected to the powersupply for contact with an electrical source for recharging.

Alternate arrangements may, of course, employ a single use battery, suchas in the single use configuration discussed above. Further, theenclosure has a chemical and solvent resistant surface that is amenableto high temperature cleaning and sterilization without compromising thewaterproof seal and compromising the electronic elements. The enclosureand prongs have a surface responsive to such cleaning, sterilizationand/or detergents. The power switch and rechargeable connectionslikewise enjoy a waterproof seal for preventing fluid infiltration.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of portions defining the body of thedevice 200 of FIG. 10 . The exploded view of FIG. 11 depicts use of ahermetic, or waterproof, seal between the lighting element 220, theexternal conductors and the enclosure 212. The enclosure 212 includes aplurality of molded portions 230-1 . . . 230-4 (230, generally). Thesize and arrangement of the molded portions may vary based onmanufacturing requirements and capabilities to form the entire body 210,and need not be exactly as shown. For example, molded portions may beformed homogeneously with at least one of the prongs. The example ofFIG. 11 includes a top enclosure portion 230-1, a bottom enclosure 230-2portion, and right and left prong portions 230-3, 230-4, respectively.The enclosure portions form a void 232 for encapsulating the powersupply, wires/conductive members and other electrical elements forenergizing the lighting elements, similar to the tray of FIGS. 3A and3B. Whatever architecture of the portions 230 is employed, thewaterproof seal incorporates a fused seam 234 at the juncture betweeneach molded portion adjacent the void 232, to restrict against fluidinfiltration.

One or more of the molded portions includes an aperture 218 for thelighting elements 220. Typically a pair of apertures 218-1 . . . 218-2(218 generally) provides redundancy and focus, as shown in FIG. 5B. Thelighting elements 120 are convex LEDs or similar rounded shape that mayestablish a compression fit or sealed junction between the aperture 218and the lighting element 220. A well defined aperture diameter, slightlysmaller than a convex LED surface, establishes a waterproof (fluid) sealwhen pressed tightly against the aperture 218 from within the void 232.Alternatively, a viscous, deformable, or elastic material such as thatemployed for the fused seam 234 may surround the apertures 218 forproviding the waterproof seal.

FIG. 12 shows a front elevation of the device 200 of FIGS. 10A-B and 11.Dotted outlines depict placement of a switch 240, power supply 222, andcharging port 250 for external connection to an electrical source.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show top and side views, respectively, of an actuatedswitch on the device of FIGS. 10-12 . Referring to FIGS. 10A-13B, aswitch 240 is disposed on an upper surface of the enclosure 212 and isadapted for opening and closing the connection between the power supplyand the lighting element for completing a circuit for energizing thelighting element 220. The switch 240 also comprises a waterproof sealbetween an actuated portion of the switch and the electrical connection,such that the actuated portion is responsive to external movement foropening and closing the connection for powering the lighting element220.

The switch 240 may be formed as a deformable panel 241 defining theactuated portion of the switch, and operable as a push button throughthe deformable material. An actuator, such as a plunger on an interiorside, is responsive to movement of the deformable panel for opening andclosing the connection through physically manipulating electricalcontacts to open and close the circuit. Other suitable switchingapproaches may be employed, such as through a relay or a delay thattoggles operation after being depressed for several seconds. Byconcealing the physically disposed actuator (i.e. plunger, contact,etc.) behind a deformable panel that still allows actuator movement, thewaterproof seal is maintained around the switch 240.

FIGS. 14A-14C show external conductors for recharging, a charger module,and an engaged charger module, respectively. Referring to FIGS. 10A-14C,a rear elevation in FIG. 14A shows a charge port 250 including twoexternal conductors 252-1 . . . 252-2 (252 generally). The conductors252 provide electrical connections to the power supply 222.

In FIG. 14B, a charge module 260 is operable to connect to the device200 for charging the power supply 250. The charge module 260 defines theelectrical source for recharging, and receives power from a power cord203. A pair of terminals 266-1 . . . 266-2 (266 generally) on the chargemodule 260 provides charging power. A mating structure on the chargemodule 260 is disposed adjacent to the external conductors forpositioning guidance of the terminals 266 by alignment with the annularframe 214. The pair of terminals 266-1 . . . 266-2 is adapted forcontacting a respective pair of the external conductors 252 on theenclosure upon alignment of the mating structure with the annular frame214.

The annular design of the prongs 216, combine sizing and proportions toengage a human digit. In particular, the prongs 216 of the annular frame214, when opposed by the concave side, define a roughly circular outlinethat can receive a similarly sized protrusion. In such a configuration,the annular frame 214 is adapted for mating or engagement with thecharge module 260 having one or more terminals 266-1 . . . 266-2 (266generally), such that engagement with the charge module 260 disposes theterminals 266 on the charger into alignment with the external conductors252 on the enclosure.

Water is generally problematic for any kind of electrical interface orcircuit, as water itself is a conductor, in addition to the corrosionpotential water creates. Accordingly, in contrast to the single useconfiguration, an electrical path is needed to allow charging from anexternal electrical source, yet ensure that the electrical path cannotbe followed by water or fluid which could compromise the device 200 frominfiltration into the void 232.

Well defined and disengageable electrical junctures are therefore calledfor. The charge module 260 has a protrusion 264 adjacent to the terminal266, such that the protrusion 264 is adapted to engage the receptacle262 for aligning the terminal 266 with a respective external conductor252 on the enclosure 212. In the example of FIGS. 14A-15B, theprotrusion 264 is a hemispherical portion or dome-like shape, and thequasi circular annular frame 214 has a slightly larger diameter forcentering the prongs 216 around the protrusion.

FIGS. 15A-B shows a side view of the device of FIGS. 10A-14C engagingthe charger 260 of FIGS. 14B and 14C. Referring to FIGS. 14A-15B, thecharge module 260 should establish a good electrical connection to theexternal conductors 252, to ensure a charge current can flow freely tothe rechargeable battery 222. The external conductor 252 furthercomprises a biased contact 267, adapted for receiving a terminal 266 onthe charge module 260. The biased contact imposes a resistive forceagainst the terminal for maintaining electrical continuity duringrecharging. This may be achieved where the terminals 266 furthercomprises a pair of spring biased contacts 267, each adapted to engage acorresponding terminal 266 on the charge module 260 for completing acharging circuit with the rechargeable storage element. The externalconductors 252 align with the contacts 267 for biased or spring loadedengagement upon a corresponding engagement of the charge module 260 withthe annular frame 214, and in response, the terminals 266 retractslightly into the charger 260. Upwards biasing force from the retractedspring biased contacts maintains electrical continuity for reliablecharging. In a particular configuration, such a spring biased connectionmay be obtained by a so-called “pogo pin” or similar construct. Thesealed external conductors 252, along with the fused seam 234, thereforeprovides a waterproof seal between the lighting element, the externalconductors and the enclosure for providing a waterproof device amenableto sterilization processes using heat and solvents or detergents.

While the system and methods defined herein have been particularly shownand described with references to embodiments thereof, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form anddetails may be made therein without departing from the scope of theinvention encompassed by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing finger-mountedillumination, comprising: providing an enclosure and an annularattachment; the annular attachment forming a circumferential engagementwith a human digit; the enclosure including: a lighting element; a powersupply for powering the lighting element; and establishing electricalcommunication between the power supply and the lighting element.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the annular attachment defines at least aportion of the circumferential engagement.
 3. The method of claim 1wherein the annular attachment defines a concave recess having a sizebased on a human digit.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the annularattachment is adapted to extend in a circumferential manner around thehuman digit, the lighting element projecting in a directionperpendicular to a direction of the extended annular attachment.
 5. Themethod of claim 3 wherein the annular attachment extends in a planedefined by the circumferential engagement of a human digit extendingthrough the concave recess and perpendicular to the plane.
 6. The methodof claim 5 wherein the lighting element projects perpendicular to thedefined plane.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the annular attachmenthas a closure defining an adjustable circular size adapted forcommunication with human digits of varying circumferences.
 8. Afinger-mounted illumination device, comprising: a body having anenclosure and an annular attachment; the annular attachment extendingfrom the enclosure, the annular attachment adapted to circumferentiallyengage a human digit; the enclosure including: a lighting element; apower supply for powering the lighting element.
 9. The method of claim 8wherein the annular attachment deforms in an adjustable manner forfrictional engagement with human digits of varying circumferences. 10.The device of claim 8 wherein the lighting element defines a projectionangle, the projection angle based an axis extending longitudinallythrough the engaged human digit for focusing on a distal end of thehuman digit.
 11. The device of claim 8 wherein an anterior-posteriordimension of the annular attachment is shorter than ananterior-posterior dimension of the enclosure.
 12. The device of claim 8wherein the annular attachment includes a deformable material forproviding a frictional engagement with the human digit, such that theattachment circumference is equal to or less than the circumference ofthe human digit.
 13. The device of claim 8 wherein the annularattachment has a closure defining a circular shape adapted for slidablecommunication with the human digit.
 14. The device of claim 8 furthercomprising a manual switch, the manual switch responsive to a user inputfor establishing the electrical communication between the power sourceand the lighting element.
 15. The device of claim 8 wherein the body isadapted for underwater utilization by construction with waterproofmaterials and from sealing of the enclosure.
 16. A method for providingtask illumination using a finger-mounted illumination device having anannular attachment, comprising: disposing the annular attachment forcircumferential frictional engagement with a human digit; closing anelectrical circuit between an illumination source and a power supply foremitting outward directed light for utility lighting; and directing theoutward directed light at a distal region.
 17. The method of claim 16wherein the human digit is a human finger.
 18. The method of claim 16further comprising directing the light in a direction perpendicular tothe directions of the annular attachment.
 19. A portable, self-containedpersonal lighting apparatus, comprising: a body having an illuminationsource and a power supply for energizing the illumination source, theillumination source defined by one or more outward emitting lightingelements for utility lighting; and an attachment extending from thebody, the attachment adapted to form an annular, concave form forcircumscribing a human digit, the illumination source focused on adistal region.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the outwardemitting lighting source includes one or more light emitting diodes(LEDs) or lasers.
 21. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising aplurality of electrical contacts for closing a circuit between theillumination source and the power supply.
 22. The apparatus of claim 19wherein the body is constructed from materials adapted to withstandtemperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and down to −90 degreesFahrenheit.
 23. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the lighting elementsinclude one or more light wavelengths, including but not limited towhite light, red light, green light, yellow light, blue light, infraredlight, reduced emission light for night vision, ultraviolet light, laserlight.
 24. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the power supply is one ormore batteries.